Madaline L. Tatlock 1923 - 2015 GARDINER - How do you eulogize a life so well lived...where words fail, the heart speaks. Madaline L. Tatlock, 91, of Gardiner, left this earth for her Heavenly home on May 2, 2015. She leaves behind a loving family who stayed by her side during her final days at the VA Hospice & Palliative Care Unit. They will greatly miss her gentle spirit and loving presence. One of the distinct qualities that marked Madaline's life was her ability to rise above adversity. Born as one of six children to the late Walter and Evangeline Milligan, she was no stranger to difficulty. She had to drop out of school in ninth grade due to family finances, but returned to earn her diploma in June, 1971, the same day as her son Dennis. At the age of 56, she survived breast cancer, going on as a volunteer to visit and encourage women in their fight against this deadly disease. No battle has been so valiant or heart wrenching than her most recent. In 2011, at the age of 87, while still going to Curves, faithfully attending church and Bible study, and enjoying time with her Red Hat and TOPS sisters, Madaline was afflicted by a condition that caused a stroke and left her blind. Through it all she maintained her positive attitude, never lost hope, and was an inspiration to everyone she encountered. Mom's perseverance and strength of character were truly remarkable. She personified the quote, 'a woman is like a tea bag, you don't know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.' She met the love of her life, Arthur Tatlock, in the shoe shop where they both worked prior to WWII. After dating only a few months, they accepted the call to serve their country. Arthur went overseas with the Marine Corps, while Madaline served stateside in the U.S. Army Air Forces. They corresponded throughout the course of the war and wed on Dec. 2, 1945. They They enjoyed an enduring love of over 68 years. Arthur and Madaline worked hard to raise their six children with the values they held dear love, respect, honesty, and godly virtue, to name a few. The young couple purchased a camp on Pleasant Pond where the family spent many memorable summers. Family meals around the table were a must and lots of love with an occasional dose of discipline was the norm. From Arthur's retirement in 1975 until 2011, the couple split their time between Maine and Florida. Arthur and Madaline's lives were blessed by God and all who knew them were touched by their warmth and fun-loving spirit. Madaline was predeceased by her father Walter, mother Evangeline; her loving husband Arthur; and siblings Walter and Robert Milligan, Frances Ellis, Marie Spear and their spouses. She is survived by a brother, Richard Milligan and his wife Cindy; her daughter Judy Corcoran and her husband William of Saco, son Terry of Augusta, son Dennis and his love Vanessa Darling of Waterboro, daughter Karen Brann of Gardiner, daughter Patricia Donnell and husband Wilson of Pittston, and daughter Lori Gagnon and husband Roger, of Gardiner. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family members and friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jayne McLaughlin, private nurse to both Madaline and Arthur from April, 2011, until their deaths. She lovingly cared for them like family and no words can fully express their debt of gratitude. They would also like to share sincere appreciation to the staff at the Maine Veterans Home and the VA Hospice Unit for their compassionate care. Before entering these facilities, Madaline and Arthur were also cared for by Renaissance Quality Home Care, operated by their daughter Karen and her late husband Don. Visiting hours will be at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, on Wednesday, May 6, from 6-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m. at Highland Avenue United Methodist Church, Gardiner., directly followed by a luncheon at the church and graveside burial at Oak Grove Cemetery. We would like to close with these words to our wonderful mother/grandmother, so aptly expressed by her eldest grandson Brian, 'You were the inspiration and motivation for our family to live, laugh and LOVE to the fullest. We will ensure your legacy lives on. Give a kiss to Grampski for all of us!' In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Madaline's name to either the Charitable donations may be made to: Highland Ave United Methodist Church HAUMC, c/o Kay Gregory at 118 Adams St. Farmingdale, ME 04344., V.A. V.S. Hospice Unit Voluntary Services 135, Dept of Vet Affairs, 1 VA Center Augusta 04330,